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NrG’s Water & Energy Initiative: Sustainable Solutions for St. Dominic’s School

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5 May 2025

NrG’s Water & Energy Initiative: Sustainable Solutions for St. Dominic’s School

 

Facing the growing challenges of energy insecurity and water scarcity in South Africa, St. Dominic’s School for Girls in Boksburg has taken a significant step toward long-term resilience and sustainability. Through a comprehensive initiative led by Next Renewable Generation (NrG), the school has implemented an integrated solar PV and battery storage system alongside a reliable backup water supply and filtration solution, ensuring uninterrupted learning and operational continuity, even during power outages and water disruptions.

The project demonstrates how renewable energy and smart water management can be combined to create real, measurable impact. serving as a strong model for other schools, institutions, and businesses looking to adopt sustainable, self-sufficient solutions.

The solar energy system, designed as an AC-coupled hybrid, combines high-efficiency Canadian Solar PV panels with lithium-ion battery storage, seamlessly integrated with the school’s existing diesel generator for added reliability. Real-time monitoring through Schneider Electric’s PME LTE system allows for ongoing performance tracking, empowering the school to manage energy use proactively. The system not only protects the school from load-shedding but also significantly reduces electricity costs and diesel consumption. A savings investigation was conducted and projected a yearly grid energy savings of R792 195 and diesel cost savings of R446 000, which results in a total R1 238 195 annually. Table 1 below presents the specifications of the system.

Table 1: Solar PV Specifications

Component Specification
Solar PV system size 203.6 kWp DC
Solar panels 354 x Canadian solar (575 W)
Annual Energy Yield 334,6 MWh
Inverters 1 x ATESS PCS 500, 2 x Huawei 50 kW, 1 x Huawei 100 kW AC coupled
Battery system Freedom won 300/240 HV+

To tackle the growing challenge of water reliability in schools, a comprehensive backup water system was implemented, addressing both capacity and quality. The solution features a dual-borehole setup with a combined storage capacity of 150,000 litres, ensuring a dependable supply even during municipal outages. Advanced filtration using Activated Filter Media (AFM) and ultraviolet (UV) sterilisation guarantees that the water meets SANS 241 standards for potable use. The system is fully automated, incorporating level sensors and pressure-boosting pumps to maintain consistent flow and operational safety. By securing access to clean water for key campus facilities, this initiative not only builds resilience but also sets a benchmark for infrastructure planning in educational environments. Figure 1 below shows the design of the backup water system.

Figure 1:  Backup water system

What makes this initiative especially relevant is its twofold impact: reducing operational disruptions and building a platform for long-term financial and environmental sustainability. Through a root-cause analysis, the project revealed that the school’s swimming pool was losing up to 50,000 litres of water per day due to an incorrectly configured balance tank.

With water costing R60 per kilolitre, this translates to nearly R1 million in potential annual losses. Through immediate corrective actions, including tank level adjustments, replacing faulty check valves, and raising overflow pipes, those losses have now been drastically reduced. This highlights just how important it is to prioritise water efficiency and take a proactive approach to managing infrastructure, especially in environments where resources can be stretched.

By identifying the issue early and acting quickly, the school was able to prevent major losses and ensure a more sustainable operation. It’s a clear example of how routine audits and small adjustments can lead to big savings and long-term benefits. Figure 2 shows how the cost of water decreased from around R130 000, at the start of the project, to just over R80 000 at the end of the project.

Figure 2: Overall Cost Per Month

Table 1 below presents the specifications of the system.

Component Specification
New Boreholes Installed 2
Storage Tank Capacity 2 x 150 000 litres
Water Filtration System Activated Filter Media (AFM)
Backup Water Sources Borehole, municipal and swimming pool

Beyond its technical achievements, the project sends a powerful message: schools, businesses, and institutions nationwide have a genuine opportunity to future-proof their operations by adopting renewable energy and improving water resilience. These solutions offer more than just protection against short-term disruptions, they also promote long-term cost stability, environmental responsibility, and greater independence from unreliable public infrastructure.

As South Africa continues to face systemic electricity and water challenges, projects like the one at St. Dominic’s School offer a proven template. These upgrades are more than just improvements, they’re investments in reliability, sustainability, and peace of mind. For schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, and community centres, adopting similar systems isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a forward-thinking strategy for long-term success.

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